Never proposed Enrique to be manager: Bartomeu

FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu, one of four candidates running in the club's upcoming presidential elections, has said he did not put Luis Enrique in charge of areas beyond his post as coach of the first team, although his contract was renewed shortly before the start of the election period.

"We never proposed for him to act as a manager. (Luis Enrique) wants to be a coach," Bartomeu said on Monday, reports Efe.

Bartomeu confirmed as well that he would keep Albert Soler as sports director and Jordi Roura as assistant coach.

Bartomeu also spoke about the future of Pedro Rodriguez, who may be thinking of leaving FC Barcelona despite extending his contract at the end of last season until 2019.

Rumours hinted at Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho's interest in hiring him, especially following a substantial reduction in the buyout clause in his extension contract, dropping from 150 million euros ($165 million) to 30 million euros ($33 million).

The FC Barcelona presidential elections will be held on July 18.